Speed I'm trying to increase my printing speed. Right now I'm printing at about 20mm/s for most things, with first layer and outer perimeters at 50% of that. Trying to increase even a small amount leads to my extruder slipping and making grinding noises on my filament while the print has gaps like this: [imgur.com] Even at 20mm/s I see bands of light and dark like in the image above, although I don't hear the extruder slipping. 20mm/s is pretty slow, right? What's the issue here? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,437101#msg-437101 Thu, 05 Mar 2026 13:02:16 -0500 Phorum 5.2.23 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,450979#msg-450979 Re: Speed https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,450979#msg-450979
The Pico has a pretty nice design overall I don't think that is what is causing this. The issue sounds like it is from the extruder motor not having enough torq. Things i would check also:
Make sure your tubing is PTFE or teflon based for maximum slipage.
increase the tension on the idler.
If you are using 3mm filament this may be the issue because 3mm filament is tough to push through a bowden setup at least in my experience.

Hope it helps]]> edu3d Reprappers Sun, 04 Jan 2015 22:07:33 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,450338#msg-450338 Re: Speed https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,450338#msg-450338
Try to heat up the extrusion five degree more, also make sure that the xyz bearing is oiled and maintenanced.

Test if this happens with other slicer softwares.]]> oklok Reprappers Sat, 03 Jan 2015 07:15:18 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,449892#msg-449892 Re: Speed https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,449892#msg-449892 Just check that the motor doesn't get too hot. You can always put a fan on it if needed.]]> Paul Wanamaker Reprappers Thu, 01 Jan 2015 20:09:53 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,449874#msg-449874 Re: Speed https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,449874#msg-449874 mk3a Reprappers Thu, 01 Jan 2015 19:07:55 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,449803#msg-449803 Re: Speed https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,449803#msg-449803
I believe my extruder's motor just doesn't have the torque needed and is slipping backward when it tries to extrude. I have another motor which has a planetary gear assembly which I beleive would give it more torque, but it doesn't fit my extruder parts. I'd have to design and print new parts to fit it. I may do that, but first I'm going to try stepping up the current to my extruder.]]> mk3a Reprappers Thu, 01 Jan 2015 15:47:26 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,449573#msg-449573 Re: Speed https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,449573#msg-449573
Are you using Slic3r? If so, do you have the "Wipe while retracting" setting on? If so - turn it off and see.

That's under Printer settings, Extruder1, "Wipe while retracting".

When I had it on: retraction made odd sounds and took longer.]]> Paul Wanamaker Reprappers Wed, 31 Dec 2014 19:39:55 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,448121#msg-448121 Re: Speed https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,448121#msg-448121
Quote
Paul Wanamaker
[*] Put marks on the filament with a pen, and across the end of the drive gear. Then watch both while its making that grinding noise to confirm it's the filament slipping.

I finally got around to trying this...It's the gear/motor moving backwards when it makes the noise. Why does this happen?]]> mk3a Reprappers Sat, 27 Dec 2014 14:57:06 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,438089#msg-438089 Re: Speed https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,438089#msg-438089
Quote
dougal1957

What Hot end are you using everything I read on Airtrippers page suggests that with your setup it should be fine and if not to start looking towards the Hot End.

HTH Doug

Pico from B3 Innovations - [www.b3innovations.com]

I really like it. The only way I can imagine it being the problem would be if it requires more force than most to push the filament through, perhaps because it truly is all-metal: It does not have a ptfe liner like some other 'all-metal' hotends, allowing it to go all the way to 500C for printing more exotic materials like Nylon. It has never jammed on me with ABS or PLA.]]> mk3a Reprappers Sat, 29 Nov 2014 11:48:24 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,438078#msg-438078 Re: Speed https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,438078#msg-438078
Quote
mk3a
Quote
dougal1957
You say you have an Airtripper what motor is on that and which drive gear this is what I believe is critical in getting this to work.

see Airtrippers V3 Extruder

Sounds like you need high torque motors for these to work effectively.

I will watch this thread carefully to see how you get on as I am considering Airtripper's for my in progress 4 head printer.

Doug

The motor is: [www.kysanelectronics.com]

The drive gear is MK7.

Here is where I got it: [www.ebay.com]


How much does layer height affect speed? I'm printing at 0.2 mm/layer.

I also print at 0.2 mm layer height and can go to 60mm/s with my PrusaI3 (Printer is the limiting factor I think) I routinely print at 50 mm/s with good results but I am not using Bowden yet (I will need to on the new build)

What Hot end are you using everything I read on Airtrippers page suggests that with your setup it should be fine and if not to start looking towards the Hot End.

HTH Doug]]> dougal1957 Reprappers Sat, 29 Nov 2014 11:28:21 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,438069#msg-438069 Re: Speed https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,438069#msg-438069
Quote
dougal1957
You say you have an Airtripper what motor is on that and which drive gear this is what I believe is critical in getting this to work.

see Airtrippers V3 Extruder

Sounds like you need high torque motors for these to work effectively.

I will watch this thread carefully to see how you get on as I am considering Airtripper's for my in progress 4 head printer.

Doug

The motor is: [www.kysanelectronics.com]

The drive gear is MK7.

Here is where I got it: [www.ebay.com]


How much does layer height affect speed? I'm printing at 0.2 mm/layer.]]> mk3a Reprappers Sat, 29 Nov 2014 11:05:12 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,437936#msg-437936 Re: Speed https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,437936#msg-437936
Quote
mk3a
I've never been able to print faster than ~20mm/s. I have calibrated my extruder steps in the Marlin firmware. My slicer settings have an extrusion multipler of 1.

I don't see how it could be clogged. It will print; it just won't print quickly.

I suspect a problem with the bowden extruder, not the hot end. Maybe I will disassemble the hot end just to have a look and make sure.

You say you have an Airtripper what motor is on that and which drive gear this is what I believe is critical in getting this to work.

see Airtrippers V3 Extruder

Sounds like you need high torque motors for these to work effectively.

I will watch this thread carefully to see how you get on as I am considering Airtripper's for my in progress 4 head printer.

Doug]]> dougal1957 Reprappers Sat, 29 Nov 2014 03:06:00 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,437921#msg-437921 Re: Speed https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,437921#msg-437921
I don't see how it could be clogged. It will print; it just won't print quickly.

I suspect a problem with the bowden extruder, not the hot end. Maybe I will disassemble the hot end just to have a look and make sure.]]> mk3a Reprappers Sat, 29 Nov 2014 00:25:32 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,437919#msg-437919 Re: Speed https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,437919#msg-437919 If so, there may be a clog in the hot end.

Have you calibrated the flow rate?]]> Paul Wanamaker Reprappers Sat, 29 Nov 2014 00:10:14 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,437911#msg-437911 Re: Speed https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,437911#msg-437911 mk3a Reprappers Fri, 28 Nov 2014 22:19:56 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,437908#msg-437908 Re: Speed https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,437908#msg-437908
BTW, .4mm is not small, that should not be a factor.

Can you upload a video of it when it's grinding?]]> Paul Wanamaker Reprappers Fri, 28 Nov 2014 21:56:03 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,437861#msg-437861 Re: Speed https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,437861#msg-437861
Thanks for the advice. Here's what I know:

1. Check the extruder drive gear, does it have filament swarf stuck in the teeth?

Possibly some. It's hard to tell.


2. "Grinding" sound does not sound like the driver is doing a thermal reset. If it was you could pull on the filament lightly when that happened and it would pull out.

Filament doesn't move when I pull during the grinding. Tried this earlier. I've adjusted the voltage to my extruder stepper and I believe it is set correctly. The grinding can start almost immediately even on a small print, so I wouldn't think it is thermal.


3. Put marks on the filament with a pen, and across the end of the drive gear. Then watch both while its making that grinding noise to confirm it's the filament slipping.

Can't do this right now, as I have my extruder disassembled. Will try later.


4. Make sure you have a flat ground on the stepper drive shaft, it could be slipping.

Checked and the gear is OK. It isn't slipping on the shaft (I had this problem some time ago and resolved it).


5. PLA is often rougher than ABS - you can lubricate it by moistening a bit of fuzzy cloth lightly with oil (like canola even) and zip-tie it around the filament just before it goes into the extruder motor. This will also clean the filament.

I have tried this in the past with another hotend to resolve jamming issues, but haven't had any jamming issues with this new one, so I have not tried it recently.


6. Increase tension on the pinch roller a lot

Tried this. I have an airtripper bowden extruder which uses a bit of diesel hose as a spring tensioner for the idler. I found it being crushed with the tension I was applying so I filled the interior of the hose with silicone caulk to make it stiffer. Even with this alteration and increased tension, the problem remains.


7. The PLA may be sticking in your hot end. When it pulls back during retraction liquefied PLA can stick to the walls of the extruder and jam it, or a softened bit of PLA will mushroom and jam. Make sure there is good cooling above the hot end.

I have good cooling on the upper part of the hotend.



8. Critical test: try pushing the filament by hand into the hot end. Try pushing it slowly and pause, retract, push faster. Does it suddenly get very hard? Can others print PLA reliably with that hot end?

I have no trouble moving the filament by hand even after a retraction. I actually have no retraction configured in my slicer, so it shouldnt be an issue right now. The hotend is the all-metal Pico from B3 innovations. I've read that some peole have had jamming issues with PLA resolved by using canola oil on the filament, but I have not had any jamming issues with it at all. I know if I increase the temperature and keep the speed low, it prints just fine, but that leads to warping issues and long print times, thus the current investigation into why I cannot print faster.

Edit: I wanted to add that I am using a 0.4mm nozzle on my hotend. I've read that the opening size can affect maximum speed, but I'm not sure how much.]]> mk3a Reprappers Fri, 28 Nov 2014 17:28:33 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,437795#msg-437795 Re: Speed https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,437795#msg-437795 I ran into all kinds of issues with my extruder and hot end (since I designed and built both). A few thoughts.
  1. Check the extruder drive gear, does it have filament swarf stuck in the teeth?
  2. "Grinding" sound does not sound like the driver is doing a thermal reset. If it was you could pull on the filament lightly when that happened and it would pull out.
  3. Put marks on the filament with a pen, and across the end of the drive gear. Then watch both while its making that grinding noise to confirm it's the filament slipping.
  4. Make sure you have a flat ground on the stepper drive shaft, it could be slipping.
  5. PLA is often rougher than ABS - you can lubricate it by moistening a bit of fuzzy cloth lightly with oil (like canola even) and zip-tie it around the filament just before it goes into the extruder motor. This will also clean the filament.
  6. Increase tension on the pinch roller a lot
  7. The PLA may be sticking in your hot end. When it pulls back during retraction liquefied PLA can stick to the walls of the extruder and jam it, or a softened bit of PLA will mushroom and jam. Make sure there is good cooling above the hot end.
  8. Critical test: try pushing the filament by hand into the hot end. Try pushing it slowly and pause, retract, push faster. Does it suddenly get very hard? Can others print PLA reliably with that hot end?

I found I could not print PLA reliably with my hot end, so I switched to ABS.]]> Paul Wanamaker Reprappers Fri, 28 Nov 2014 13:43:48 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,437664#msg-437664 Re: Speed https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,437664#msg-437664 good troubleshooting guide.]]> Zavashier Reprappers Fri, 28 Nov 2014 05:47:48 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,437389#msg-437389 Re: Speed https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,437389#msg-437389
I'm already printing very hot, so maybe the issue is with the bowden extruder.


I was able to print at a lower temperature after tightening the idler on my extruder. It helped with some of the PLA warping issues I was having...next I'll check if it helps with the speed.]]> mk3a Reprappers Thu, 27 Nov 2014 10:40:16 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,437149#msg-437149 Re: Speed https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,437149#msg-437149 My slow setting is 40mm/sec and I can go upwards of 70-80mm/sec depending on the part.]]> Floyd Reprappers Wed, 26 Nov 2014 22:03:52 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,437122#msg-437122 Re: Speed https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,437122#msg-437122
* Increasing tension on the guilder.
* Increasing hotend temperature (go up in 5 degree increments to see if it improves the situation).
* Increasing the vref on the extruder stepper driver (check to see if it's correct first - you'll need a multimeter for this. Instructions on the reprap wiki [reprap.org].]]> Anonymous User Reprappers Wed, 26 Nov 2014 18:57:10 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,437101#msg-437101 Speed https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,437101,437101#msg-437101
Right now I'm printing at about 20mm/s for most things, with first layer and outer perimeters at 50% of that.

Trying to increase even a small amount leads to my extruder slipping and making grinding noises on my filament while the print has gaps like this: [imgur.com]

Even at 20mm/s I see bands of light and dark like in the image above, although I don't hear the extruder slipping.

20mm/s is pretty slow, right? What's the issue here?]]> mk3a Reprappers Wed, 26 Nov 2014 17:49:26 -0500